China’s Xi Calls for AI Cooperation, Denounces ‘Cold War Mentality’ at SCO Summit

At the SCO summit in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on member states to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence while rejecting the “Cold War mentality,” urging a collaborative approach to global challenges. Speaking before over 20 world leaders, including India’s PM Narendra Modi and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, Xi highlighted China’s $84 billion investment in other SCO nations and pledged support for 10,000 students to join Beijing’s “Luban” vocational education program. He emphasized that the SCO summit offers an opportunity to initiate a new phase of high-quality development and cooperation.

Before his address, Xi met briefly with Modi and Putin, and he is expected to hold further bilateral discussions with Putin during a military parade in Beijing marking 80 years since the end of World War II. Over the weekend, Xi also met with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, and at least seven other visiting leaders, emphasizing partnership over rivalry. India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that stable, mutually respectful, and interest-based relations between India and China are essential for growth and development, benefiting the combined population of 2.8 billion people.

Analysts note that China’s improved ties with India could strengthen Beijing’s regional influence, enabling India to access critical intellectual property for industrialization and manufacturing. Experts also suggest that the SCO summit provides China with an opportunity to position itself as a global peacemaker amid ongoing tensions with the United States, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas conflict. China’s collaboration with Russia could serve as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict, and cooperation within SCO could guarantee regional security.

During the summit, SCO leaders signed the “Tianjin Declaration” and approved a development plan extending through 2035. They adopted 24 documents addressing enhanced cooperation in security, economic growth, and humanitarian initiatives. Xi announced plans for cooperation platforms in new energy, green industry, digital economy, and centers for technological innovation, higher education, and vocational training. Later, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi confirmed the launch of the SCO Development Bank as a multilateral financial institution, emphasizing that global governance should be based on coordination and cooperation rather than unilateral dominance.

Xi also proposed a new “Global Governance Initiative” during his remarks, adding to previous programs like the “Global Development Initiative” and “Global Security Initiative.” He stressed that despite 80 years of peace and cooperation since World War II, hegemonism, protectionism, and Cold War thinking persist. Xi highlighted the increasing number of global threats and challenges, urging nations to commit to peaceful coexistence without targeting third parties. He emphasized the need for uniform application of international law, asserting that the rules of a few countries should not be imposed upon others.

Overall, Xi’s address focused on strengthening multilateralism, promoting economic and technological cooperation, and fostering peace and stability in the international arena. He underscored the importance of collective action within the SCO framework to address global challenges, advance sustainable development, and build a multipolar, cooperative world order. The summit illustrated China’s efforts to position itself as a responsible global leader, leveraging its influence and partnerships to shape regional and international governance while advocating for collaboration, equity, and innovation across member states.